Don't Look Now It's Superman Landing In Canada

So both J.O and Jose Calderon are not likely to play this afternoon. The Raptors would be hard pressed with those guys in the line-up and without them it would seem very unlikely the Raptors could win. This is also the front end of a back to back for the Raptors as they will be taking a plane to Milwaukee after this game to face the Bucks on Monday night. The Magic have only built on the success they had last season. They did suffer a blow recently losing there major free agent signing from this offseason Mickael Pietrus. But the Magic have seen improvement from Jameer Nelson who showed his skills last season in the playoffs against the Raptors. In a series that he was suppose to be the 3rd best point guard in it he was the best. Check out how Jameer has been doing this year below with his NBA.Com widget:



But when it comes to the Orlando Magic it all comes down to the man that was once called the man child and he is now known as Superman. Dwight Howard is good friends with Chris Bosh as the two got to know each other when Bosh was a freshman star at Georgia Tech and Howard was a high school stud in the Atlanta area. Check out why some folks are talking M.V.P for Superman. But just like his Magic he is not talked about enough:





He and Bosh compete on the floor and they are going to go at it on the web as well. Dwight Howard has been working on build a website that can match his friend Bosh. We all know about www.chris-bosh.com but now there is www.dwight-howard.com There is a lot more to be excited about for Howard right now. Chris Bosh may have overshadowed him at the Olympics in China. But now in the 08/09 NBA season Dwight is getting the attention. He is going to defend his Slam Dunk Title and his Magic are rolling 9-1 in their last 10 and 12-4 on the road this year. They are 3rd in the Eastern Conference and have a 4 game lead in the once laughed about Southeast Division over the Atlanta Hawks.

Bosh meanwhile will need to call upon some of those great performances he had against the Magic in the past. In fact prior to the Playoff series last year Bosh was always getting the better of Dwight Howard. So much so that a lot of Raptor fans wanted to face the Magic in the first round last year. After game #1 in Orlando not a lot of folks still wanted too. The Raptors and Magic already have faced each other this season on November 18th. It was in Orlando and the Magic won fairly easy and if memory serves me correct Raptors were with out Jose Calderon for that game as well. You can check if I am right and look back at my thoughts back then in the Raptor Rewind. What I do know for sure is that the Magic won 110-93.

So the Raptors second win in 2009 will be hard pressed to happen on this Sunday Afternoon. Thinking the Bucks will be an easy win not so fast. Bucks are 6-4 in their last 10 and have climbed into 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. The also have a respectable 10-5 record at home. So it will not be easy. But nothing has been this season for the Raptors.

Just A Win Or Something More?

Ex-Raptor coach Sam Mitchell use to say that there were 10 games a year were no matter what you would do you couldn't win. There were 10 games a year that no matter what you did you couldn't lose. It was the other 62 games that determined who you were as a basketball team. Seems clear to me the Rockets were on the one side of that 10 games and the Raptors the other. Give the Raptors full marks as they did beat the Houston Rockets playing very short handed. It was something this team badly needed to get a win. However I am not convinced that it has changed anything at all. In fact you can make the argument that things may be worse now as Jose Calderon left the game with what is being called a mild hamstring strain. Will Solomon was highly effective last night in relief of Calderon. But over the long haul if Calderon misses time I am not convinced he can play to that level. Earlier in the season Solomon had a very good effort against Miami and the next game after that was pretty awful. Roko Ukic had seen little time until last night and is still growing into an NBA talent. So it is not to rain on the parade but I don't think the Orlando Magic will be as easy to roll over on Sunday as the Rockets were last night. Andrea Bargnani has been good as a starter with J.O out for the last couple games. Can he continue that effort when O'Neal returns? That will be the real question. Paul Jones says that he feels that Bargnani sees starting and scoring as success at this point in his NBA Career. Well when the starting goes away will the scoring go with it. That answer will come when J.O is ready to return and with Superman ready to hit Toronto it would be great if that was sooner as opposed to later.

Sorry Chris But This Team Does Need A Trade

Chris Bosh came out in the media and said that this team did not need changes. He stood up for his team and the talent on it. I applaud that as far as being a good team leader. However, he is totally wrong and I think even he knows it. This team has not shown enough to me to make me think they have enough talent. In fact even from the start of the year I had said this team still needed to make a move to reach it's full potential. The lack of depth is glaring and that was made clear when Calderon was hurt last night. Be honest when you saw that Jose was going out of the game you thought the Raptors were toast...Right?

The Raptors were much better on defense last night but it was hard to tell how much of it was them and how much of it was Houston who was truly awful. Even though he had an up and down night how good would a Ron Artest look as a Raptor wing player. He is a solid defender and he can be a difference maker. He also is a little bit crazy and emotional which I think this team badly needs. They need someone that will kick a garbage can and get emotional. Not that the Rockets are looking to move Artest. But a guy like him would be a good fit to replace what has been lacking on the Raptor wing spot. The point is the Raptors are a team that lacks depth in general and talent at the wing positions. It is no great secret to anyone. It has been said almost from the beginning of the year. I would not be shocked if in the privacy of his own home Chris Bosh does not use the ESPN Trade Machine or Real GM Trade Checker. I did the other day before Andrea Bargnani had started to take off. It was a 3-way deal between the Bobcats, Raptors and Warriors.

Raptors Get:

Corey Maggette SF
Marco Belinelli SG

Bobcats Get:

Brandon Wright PF
Joey Graham SF

Warriors Get:

Andrea Bargnani PF/C
Anthony Parker SG
Raymond Felton PG

I think this deal gives all 3 teams something they may want and it gets rid of something they don't want. As with all of these trade you can come up with in your spare time it will have some people that will like it and others that will say it is crazy. But this deal at least is realistic in terms of I am not being unrealistic in my expectations of what you can get in return for Toronto. It also factors in that in the past Toronto has shown interest in both players that they would be acquiring. The Raptors were very interested in Belinelli in his draft year. Maggette has always been rumoured as a guy that Colangelo has had interest in. One of the rumoured deals for T.J Ford was a move that would have seen Maggette come in return from the Clippers. In the end Bryan Colangelo and the 29 other G.M's are the only ones with the trade machines that actually work. The cell phone and blackberrys of those 30 guys are the real trade machines that matter. But the point that Bosh is making about this team being good enough as they stand is about as serious to me as Vince Carter's comment that dunking was overrated. Now Vince said it was a joke on his part. I don't think Chris is joking and he may truly believe it but I think deep down he knows that it is not true.

I Am Sorry Jake Voskhul

I like many was very mean and borderline cruel when the Raptors signed Jake Voskhul. But hey I am big enough to admit when I am wrong. Don't get me wrong Jake Voskhul is not the answer to all that is wrong with the Raptors. But he is a aggressive guy that has been willing to through his body around and bust his butt out on the floor. I like that kind of effort. He also wears my old high school football number 77. If he was more talented he could have more of an impact but he has done what he can with what he has got. He has been a much better signing than a guy like Hassan Adams who truly as been a bad joke all year long. The Toronto Raptors can use more Jake Voskhul mentality players. Jake is even getting a bit of love from the fan base as they have come to admire his grit and lunch bucket style attitude. Voskhul is doing so well he is taking minutes from Kris Humphries and he deserves them too. The biggest difference between Voskhul and Humphries is that Voskhul understands why he is out there to bang and get boards and lay a lick on someone. He does not suffer from the flashes that Humphries has in which he forgets he is not the star of this team. Jake Voskhul knows his role.

Playoffs your talking about Playoffs?

Jim Mora former NFL Coach made this famous rant in a post game press conference:

I think this fits what is going on with the Raptors except that part about not laying blame on the defense. Matt Devlin has been pointing to the fact that the Raptors are only like 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. While that is a true statement they also have a challenging schedule that lies in front of them in January and February. If the Raptors are still behind by 2.5 games in March I am willing to talk about playoffs then. But till that point I am much more closer to Jim Mora in just hoping the Raptors can win a game.

The Raptors really have to just take that approach as far as I am concerned. Another Sam Mitchell line was that this team is not good enough to think they can beat anyone. The Raptors lost the right to overlook anyone when they lost a game to the worst team in the league the Oklahoma City Thunder. Who came oh so close to a win last night losing 122-120 to the Denver Nuggets. That is the difference between a good team and a bad team. Denver did not allow the Thunder to get a win. Good teams are able to find ways to win even on nights when they do not have there best effort or when a bad team as a great effort. The Thunder have recorded another win since beating the Raptors and sit 4-30 on the year.

I also think that the East in general is better and to get a simple 41-41 record may not be good enough to get into the playoffs this season. A lot of teams have got better and some of those teams have rookie players that are going to grow as the season goes along. So please don't talk to me about playoffs at this point. I mean you want to keep everyone's spirit up when things are going bad but that is not the way to do it. Least it is not for me.

When the Raptors had been rumoured to be making the trade for Jermaine O'Neal my initial re-action was I didn't like it. I had a lot of concerns about what it would mean for this team in the short term. I allowed myself to be convinced that this team was better. In the end my first reaction was the correct one. I had thought my judgement was not right because I am a big fan of T.J Ford. But the reality is that Jermaine O'Neal is not the player he once was and his days of being an All-Star are behind him. I had thought his presence would make this team better on defense and allow others to play defense better by having his shot blocking presence in the line-up. But it has never worked out that way. It also has been an issue that his contract has not allowed the Raptors to build any kind of depth. This was still a great move for the long term with the cap room that will be created at the end of his contract. It could also be turned into a major trade for the Raptors should they want to cash in that cap space for a trade.

But what all that has taught me is I am going to stick to my guns. I do not think without a move this team can get close playoffs. They need some more talent and more defense. Bryan Colangelo's gamble with this trade has not worked. He does have an escape route at the end with the cap space that he will have. But in the short term this has been a failure. When you have players talking about things like chemistry at this point in a season it is a sign you have some major issues. There is still a flicker of hope as the Raptors schedule in March and April is really to their advantage if they are in a position to take advantage of it. The question is can this team be in that spot. I think without help from above meaning Bryan Colangelo and not God, I think this team is in trouble. A little help from God would not hurt as well. So I will pray for better times ahead for the Raptors and hope they will come. But I admit that my faith in this team has been shattered badly.

Raptors Rewind- New Year New Hope Edition?

The Houston Rockets come into town to face the Toronto Raptors. It is quite a cast of characters with Yao Ming, T-Mac, Rafer Alston and Ron Artest. It is quite a collection of attitudes and talent. The Raptors lately could use a Ron Artest or Rafer Alston. There has been a growing level of excuses and a real lack of results on the floor. Chris Bosh today said this team doesn't need to make a trade they have just got to come together and get on the same page. We are 32 games into the season already shouldn't that have happened already? I mean let's be honest the talent is lacking and there have been flashes of brilliance but that is not good enough. I don't know if Bosh believes what he is saying I have no reason to think he does not. But the reality is this team is not good enough. Tonight's game can end up being another example of that. Houston has been have their issues. Mcgrady has had knee issues and they have struggled at times. But the difference in the Rockets and Raptors can be found in that W column.The Raptors are desperate for one of those.

1st Quarter

The Toronto Raptors would get off to a good start scoring the first 4 points.Scola would get the Rockets on the board. Jamario Moon would score for the Raptors. Yao would have an answer for that. Jose Calderon would hit a 3 pointer. Raptors had a 9-4 advantage early. But The Rockets would go back to their big man Yao who would score again. Rafer Alston would add a lay up. Raptors would respond with a basket and the Rockets went right back to Yao who the Raptors with out O'Neal would have a touch time guarding. O'Neal was out for his second game with a knee bruise. Jason Kapono was back and coming off the bench he had a thigh bruise. All 5 Raptors that started had scored and they lead the Rockets 11-10 about half way through the first quarter.

Scola out of a time out would get a score and the Rockets had their first lead of the night. But Chris Bosh would have a quick response on the other end. The Raptors went to Jake Voskhul into the game and he was guarding Yao and making life tougher for Yao. Chris Bosh meanwhile would take it at Yao on the offensive end and Raptors lead 15-12. Both teams were struggling to get points. Jamario Moon would hit a jumper and he would get a steal and get to the line. The Rockets looked like the team with 12 wins early on in this game. Moon would split a pair and the Raptors lead 18-12. Tracy Mcgrady would get on the score sheet with a basket. Jose Calderon would answer that score right away. Andrea Bargnani would get a score on the inside. Joey Graham would be denied but would score on the second effort. Raptors had build a 24-14 lead and looked like the desperate team they were. Houston looked disinterested at best. Much like everything this year things are looking good and Jose Calderon checked out and was heading to the locker room followed by the Raptors trainer. There was nothing you could see in why this was. But it was bad news if he could not come back. Still the Raptors had a 25-14 lead after one quarter of play.

2nd Quarter

A replay would tell the story about Jose he seemed to tweak a hamstring no idea how seriously. Will Solomon who had replaced him would score the first points of the second quarter but after that made a bad turnover. Ron Artest on the following trip for Houston would hit a 3 pointer and he would follow it up with another the only two made 3 pointers for the Rockets on the night. Lead was cut to 27-22. But Chris Bosh would score and push the lead back to 7 points. Calderon returned to the bench and we will see if he will be back. The hope would be it was just a cramp. Ironically Calderon had expressed to Raptors broadcaster Matt Devlin that he felt healthy for the first time this season prior to the game. Calderon's injury is being called a mild hamstring strain and it must have been mild cause he was back in the game. Raptors lead 29-22 and Brent Barry was able to score on a second chance opportunity. Raptors would call a time-out because Calderon was not able to continue as he tried it out but was not able to be out there. This was terrible news regardless of the result of this game.

Brooks would hit a 3 ball for the Rockets and the lead was disappearing almost as fast as Calderon exited back to the locker room . Will Solomon would hook up Joey Graham but Ron Artest would answer that with a 3 pointer. Joey Graham would get hooked up by Will Solomon again for a score and it was 33-30 for the Raptors. Will Solomon to this point was answering the challenge he made a jumper to extend the Raptor lead to 5 points. Chris Bosh was getting frustrated with not getting calls as he was being guarded by Yao. He would finally draw on on the great wall that is Yao. Bosh could only manage 1-2 from the line though after finally getting there. Yao would quickly pick up number 2 as he was trying to guard Bargnani this time. Bargnani would also split a pair from the line. Bargnani on the other end would return the favour sending Yao to the line and picking up his second foul. Yao would make both of his free throws. Andrea would respond with a drive and score. He would follow that up with another score in the paint. Yao had a slam at the other end. Raptors lead 41-34 Andrea Bargnani would nail a 3 pointer to make the lead 44-34 with 1:11 to play in the half. Yao would get to the line again and split a pair. Anthony Parker would hit a jumper. Will Solomon and Rafer Alston would exchange baskets when the buzzer sounded it was the Raptors leading 48-38 at the half.

3rd Quarter

Bargnani and Bosh combined for 22 points. Will Solomon in relief of Jose Calderon who will not return had 6 points, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds. Raptors badly needed a win and the injury of Calderon would only make that more important. Andrea after a good first half with 12 point missed his first shot of the second half which was a 3 pointer. He would pick up his 3rd foul of the game right after that but remain in the game. He would score on a drive on Scola and get the 2 points. The Rockets looked very bad on this night and this was a real chance for a Raptor win. Chris Bosh would get a basket on a drive and score. T-Mac would show a rare sign of life as he would get a basket in response. However Chris Bosh would answer back with his second straight basket for the Raptors. The Raptors lead 54-40. Andrea Bargnani would ad to the lead with a 3-ball and it was 57-40. The Raptors were playing better defense combined with a very sleepy effort from the Rockets. Tracy Mcgrady is known for taking long naps and he seemed to be having one during this basketball game. He had just 4 points playing with his sore knee.

Meanwhile Andrea Bargnani was 7-10 from the field and putting together back to back performances in relief of the injured Jermaine O'Neal. Luis Scola would finally end the Raptor run and get a basket for the Rockets. Anthony Parker would drive and score after a Ron Artest turnover for a travel. Raptors lead 59-42. Rafer Alston would score for the Rockets. But Ron Artest's frustrations would continue as he got blocked by Bargnani. But he would get on track with a 3 pointer and then took an elbow from Will Solomon. He would get another 3 pointer after that. Solomon would respond with a 2 pointer on the other end. Raptors lead 64-47 but Andrea Bargnani picked up his 4th foul on the night and he was not happy about it. He would have a seat with 17 points to go along with those 4 fouls with 2:39 to play in the 3rd Quarter.

Rafer Alston out of the time out would look to kick it out to Artest for another 3 pointer but he would miss. Bosh would look inside to Jake Voskhul who had checked in for Andrea and he would head to the line as he was fouled. Voskhul would split a pair at the line. After that Jamario Moon would get a steal and take it all the way to the hoop for the jam. Ron Artest was having a quarter like his personality and he would get tagged for an offensive foul. The Raptors would turn that into points on the other end. Raptors had a 19 point lead to take into the 4th quarter with the score 68-49 after 3 Quarters at the A.C.C. Give the Raptors credit they have not lost a step despite losing Claderon and not having O'Neal at all.

4th Quarter

Stats were glaring the Raptors were shooting 50% and the Rockets were shooting 31%. The Rockets also had been turning over the basketball. Chris Bosh opened up the 4the quarter extending the lead to 21 points. Bosh would look inspired to lead the Raptors to their first home win since I was in the house to watch them beat the Pacers. Bosh was at the line looking to add to his point total. He would make onlt 1-2. The Raptors had a 73-53 lead with under 10 minutes to play. Roko Ukic was in the game and he had a new haircut. More importantly though he would steal the ball from Yao Ming and hook up Kris Humphries with a very pretty pass. Ukic had not seen any time of late so he was ready to roll. The Raptors will need a lot more of that from him if Calderon misses any significant amount of time.

Jason Kapono who struggled early and may not be at 100% but he even was getting in on the fun with a 3 pointer. The Raptor lead was 23 points. We were in garbage time at the ACC and for once it was the Raptors on the right end of a blowout. Houston had the starter on the bench watching the Raptors leading 80-57. The Raptors were feeling good and extending the lead in garbage time and a Roko Ukic lay-up made the score 86-59 points and this was some kind of effort out of the Raptors playing very short handed. You would have to hope that the news on Calderon's injury would not end up bursting the bubble after a great performance by the Raptors. But even on a great night for the Raptors Hassan Adams still could not find a way to score in garbage time. Every other Raptor that had played found a way to score. Adams missed badly on an east attempt down low. Jake Voskhul I have to admit has been good for this team. He got a tap in and I love what he has brought to the Raptors. Hassan Adams would even score it was a whole new year for the Raptors on this night. The Raptors had a massive 94-67 lead and it was party time at the ACC. Houston had 22 turnovers so they were helping out the Raptors. The Raptors were very good but as good as they were Houston was equally as bad on this night. Roko Ukic would dribble out a 94-73 win for the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors are 1-0 for 2009 but the worry will be the health of Jose Calderon. I can not imagine the Raptors being able to keep things up like this with out him for the long run. But still Raptors had a win let's enjoy it as they have been very hard to come by this season. A boxscore that includes points for all on the Raptor side of things for you to enjoy.

Raptors/Rockets Boxscore

The questions of who will be able to face the Magic on Sunday will be first and foremost over the next couple days. But for tonight enjoy a win Raptor Fans because we have earned it just as much as the players have. Good night and thanks for reading the Raptor Rewind.

The Ming Dynasty On Display At The A.C.C

Things just don't get any easier for the Raptors as Yao Ming comes to town. That will be followed by a Sunday visit from Superman. It just is going to be hard to imagine a way the Raptors can stay in the hunt for those playoffs. I took some time yesterday and just looked through the schedule and tried to guess what the Raptors Record should be for January and February of 2009. Being realistic the best I got was they will go .500 and that is not good enough at this point. The Raptors schedule does shift for March and April but it would take a run of just total perfection or close to it to see the Raptors make the playoffs. That is the reality of right now. Could a trade change that reality? I am not sure it may take a couple moves to make a difference and I don't think the Raptors have a lot of assets to make that happen. The one thing they should not do is risk their first round draft pick in 2009 to make that happen. The Raptors really need to add a young player that can have an impact out of this years draft.

Making trades is not easy as well. I mean in a world of ESPN Trade Machine and Real G.M Trade checkers you can play G.M to your hearts content. Not to mention video games in which my version of the Raptors on NBA 2K9 is off the charts. Even though in today's world of video games and tech devices life may seem like a video game it is not. Bryan Colangelo has to deal with real people that have all the same concerns he does. They have fan bases and an organization to answer to for the moves they make. Colangelo has no doubt seen the desire of the fan base for change but it is not easy to make it happen. It is no different than wanting to go out with an attractive women that is great but it still takes her wanting and accepting to go with you.

Game Notes For Rockets And Raptors.

Houston has a few folks that Raptor Fans will remember. Tracy McGrady was the guy Toronto booed before they booed Vince Carter. We also saw Rafer Alston a couple of times make his way through Toronto. But the big news in the off-season in Houston was they went out and brought in Ron Artest. They have needed him even more than they realized as Shane Battier as had an injury plagued season. But Ron Artest has had some decent numbers with 16.1 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. He had a game right around that to close out 2008 with 15 points and 5 boards.

The Rockets have even called on the cookie monster for some help. Dikembe Mutombo does sound like the cookie monster. He may actually be older as he is in his 40's and just never seems to retire. He is like a throwback to Robert Parish, who stayed in the league well into his 40's and played in other places like Charlotte after his days in Boston winning championships. Also beyond basketball Mutombo is a great human being he built a hospital with his own money back in Africa. That is truly a fantastic thing and he deserves a lot of praise for that. Why and if he still can contribute on a basketball roster at this point is something I am not sure of at this point.

The Raptors meanwhile have minor injuries to both Jermaine O'Neal and Jason Kapono who both sat out against Denver. They are listed as game time decision at this point for tonight's game against Houston. Andrea Bargnani had a truly amazing performance in relief of O'Neal on New Years Eve. So if O'Neal is ready it will be interesting if Jay Triano just automatically inserts him back in the starting line-up. Maybe Andrea could have back to back performances with his name getting called? Jason Kapono and Anthony Parker have both struggled of late. But A.P did show signs late in that game. He had lost his spot in the starting line-up in part to an injury he had. So that will be another choice for Triano to make should Kapono be available tonight.

This is another game on TSN 2. If you are in the Toronto area and you are still shut out. Maybe make a plan to join the guys at Raptors Republic for their Raptors Party and Philthy McNasty's. It is a way to beat the TSN 2 blues on Friday nights anyway. I am going to get down to one of these Friday Night Events in the new year. It is one of my resolutions I hope to follow through on.

Eric Smith was at shoot around and had some thoughts from Triano, Bosh and Parker on tonight's Game.

The Rap- Update From Shoot Around

So that is it for today as the Raptors will try to shock us all and break a 3-game losing streak. It will be no easy task for sure. Find out how they did in the Raptor Rewind tonight.

The First Dino Nation Blog Of 09

Well it is 2009 and if you did to much partying last night I have a tip for you. Drink Gatorade it will help make that hangover feel a bit better. I use to swear by it when I was younger and had done a little to much drinking for my own good. I woke up today and turned on CNN. They had a story about a guy that is predicting that the United States of America will break apart in 2009. I don't think I will have anything that bold or crazy for you today. But it is that time of year to make New Years Resolutions and predictions for the upcoming year. So let's start with some predictions. Some for the Raptors and some for the NBA. This is just some logical guessing and you can take it as seriously as you care to choose.

Predictions For Raptors in 2009

1. This will be the last year for Anthony Parker and Joey Graham. I think by the end of this season Parker will be traded or if he lasts he will return to Europe for the 2009/10 season. Joey Graham meanwhile will not be resigned with the Raptors and some team will get sucked in by his flashes of brilliance and sign him and he will become another team's problem.
   
2. Andrea Bargnani will be traded. I know he scored 26 points last night and played really well. But unless these nights become the norm and not the exception I think Colangelo will have to accept that Andrea is just not going to succeed in Toronto. It is just a question of if that takes till the offseason to happen.
3. The Raptors will miss the playoffs. I know it sucks to admit this at this point of the year. But with 50 games remaining I just don't see any reason to think the Raptors can go the rest of the season at a pace of 6 to 10 games over .500? I just can't see that happening. They even sometimes lose the odd game they should win and have not been able to beat anyone that you would consider to be a playoff team. I hope that I am wrong but I fear that I am right.
   
4. Colangelo will hire his guy. Unfortunately for Jay Triano he will not remain as head coach of the team. I have no doubt he will be offered a position in the organization. Maybe he will take it or maybe Steve Nash will look to get him brought in down in Phoenix as he has not been happy and Triano even as an assistant may help that situation be better.
   
5. Chris Bosh and the 2010 conversation will become the major issue of the year. Bosh technically could sign an extension in the summer to remain in Toronto. He won't do that not because he hates Toronto or does not want to play here. He will do it because it is the right thing to do for him to get the best deal possible.
   

NBA Predictions

1. Lebron James will win the M.V.P not a very bold prediction but hey who is going to stop him. The talk of where he will be in 2010 will continue to grow and build. Along the way he will sell tons of stuff from his shoes and everything else. If there is a recession proof athlete his name is Lebron James.
   
2. Back to Back Slam Dunk Crowns for Superman. Dwight Howard may not win that M.V.P that I had predicted for him prior to the season. But the dunk contest is no problem. I believe in Superman. His team is pretty good to and you need to beware of the Magic.
   
3. You won't see a Lakers vs Celtics re-match. I know it seems like it is heading that way again but I am going to play the field. There are some teams that could spoil the party and I think one of them will. Cleveland and Orlando at the top of that list. Finally the shoe would be on the other foot and K.G would cry. Kobe also has a tough road in the West. It just doesn't happen very often in sports anymore that 2 teams can return to a final for a re-match the next year.
4. Sam Mitchell will be hired for a job for 2009/2010 and he will be a success.
   
5. Barack Obama will be at the opening game of the NBA season and throw up the ceremonial opening tip.

The Dino Bloggers Resolutions

• To continue to work hard in the coming year and bring more people to the Dino Nation Blog to help us gain more info and insight into the great game of basketball
• To continue to try an improve in every way to make the Dino Nation Blog even better by next year at this time
• To find more ways to make you feel a part of the Dino Nation Blog and grow the amount of people that are part of it.
• Never to forget that I am a fan as much as I am someone that is covering this team and game.
• To try to open doors and support others trying to do the same
• Ultimately to be the best Dino Blogger I can be.

Sure I could have said things like stop smoking and other things. I am far from a perfect person. But the key about resolutions and goals is to make them realistic. I could have also put to have an exclusive interview with Chris Bosh. I mean sure if that happened it would be fantastic but I just continue to work hard and hope for the best. It has been an amazing ride doing this up to now. I have long given up trying to predict what will happen for myself and this blog. It continues to amaze me each day. I thank all of you for the support in that past and hope to earn it in the future. If you have predictions or resolutions you are welcome to share them in the comments. Have a great 2009 everyone and I hope you will make this blog a small part of that each day.

Raptors Rewind- Closing Out 08

Well it was already going to be hard to get a win against the Nuggets. No Jermaine O'Neal and No Jason Kapono and the job gets even harder. I am totally sober while doing this on New Years Eve and that could have been a big mistake. But will see how it goes. I am like your basketball designated game watcher. So you can count on me to deliver you the results of this one on this edition of the Raptors Rewind. Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Parker would fill in for the missing Jason Kapono and Jermaine O'Neal. So let's get this party started and begin the last Raptor rewind of 2008. I am a bit misty but I will collect myself by the time the ball goes up in the air. Hopefully I won't have reason to cry by the end of this game.

1st Quarter

Nuggets take the tip as they come in and K-Mart drives and jams and we were off. Nene would score and the Nuggets were up 4-0 just like that. Andrea Bargnani would miss a 3 pointer and the Raptors were missing shots and not looking good to start this one. K-Mart was scoring again and looking like he did in the old days as a Net. Martin would draw the a foul and Chris Bosh would get sent to the line and make a pair to get the Raptors on the score board. Nuggets would rattle of 5 straight points and had a 9-2 lead. Jose Calderon and Jamario Moon would show some signs of life as the both got 2 points a piece. Chris Bosh would get in the lane and score with a baby hook shot. Nuggets would break the run with a basket and they would make it back to back baskets. Jose Calderon would respond with a drive and score. He would then find Jamario Moon leaking out and hooked him up for the alley oop. Andrea Bargnani would get a block at the one end and a 3 pointer at the other end and we had a ball game with the score tied at 15.

Chauncey Billups out of the time out would draw a foul and get to the line and make a pair with 4:49 to play in the first. Anthony Parker would respond with a jumper on the other end. Andrea Bargnani would score in the paint and the Raptors had their first lead of the night at 19-17. Bosh would get in on the party and score. Then off another Nugget turnover it was A.P for three and the Raptors had stormed in front to a lead 24-17. J.R Smith checked into the game and right away drained a 3 pointer. That is likely why the Nuggets said not thank you to a rumoured trade for Jason Kapono that had been talked about in the Denver media. Jamario Moon got in on the offensive glass for a tap back score for the Raptors. The Birdman would get a tap back on a Billups miss. Billups would no miss on his next shot and the Raptors lead had been cut down to just 1 with the score 26-21. Jose Calderon would get called for an offensive foul and that was his 2nd of the night. Will Solomon had checked in for him and pick up a foul right away. Billups would glad take the two free points from the charity stripe and the Nuggets were back in front. Jamario Moon would get to the line and he would make his 2 from the line to retake the lead. Will Solomon would nail a 3 pointer and give the Raps a 4 point advantage. The Nuggets would respond with a 2 pointer and the score after one was Raptors 31-29 over the Nuggets. Like I said this morning when the Raptors seem doomed to lose they come out and play well. It is just part of the wacky history that is Raptors Basketball.

2nd Quarter

Both teams were shooting well with the Nuggets shooting 57% and the Raptors 52%. Andrea Bargnani faked a 3 pointer and took a step in and drained a long two pointer. J.R Smith would respond with a score for the Nuggets. Joey Graham would make a mid range jumper. Joey had broke the ACC as the entire system went down at the Air Canada Centre. No stats.. no scores... no nothing. There was a delay with 10:28 to play in the half and the Raptors leading 35-31. Out of the delay the Nuggets would score. Will Solomon would come back with a score.

Chris "The Birdman" Anderson would score off the garbage rebound. Nene would get a slam for 2 and a chance at the line. But he would miss it and the Raptors and Nuggets were tied at 37. Chris Bosh would break that tie with a basket and Jose Calderon was back on the floor. Anderson would score again and Bosh would answer that score with his second straight for the Raptors. Jose Calderon was doing a much better job pushing the pace. He would find Joey Graham on the run out and he would get the score. Raptors had a 43-39 lead with 5:58 to play in the half. Just over 4 hours left in 2008 in case you were wondering. Happy New Year to any readers from Europe as you have already seen midnight come and go.

Carmelo Anthony would score out of the time out to pull the Nuggets to with in two points. Nene would get a basket and Carmelo would get a technical foul as he did not like the no call he got. Jose Calderon would make the tech and keep his streak alive. Andrea Bargnani would get a basket and the Raptors lead was 46-43. Jose Calderon would get called for his 3rd foul and be forced to the bench with just under 4 minutes to play in the half. Will Solomon in relief of Jose would drive and score with no hesitation what so ever. He must have heard his number one fan was back in Toronto. Whatever the reason Will Solomon looked good and I am willing to admit it. Chauncey Billups was back at the line a place he was getting to a fair bit. Nugget would get back to just one point down with an easy pass and jam. Andrea Bargnani would hit another basket and he had 11 in the first half. J.R Smith would make a 3 pointer and tie the score at 50. Another 3 pointer for the Nuggets and they would take a 53-50 lead into halftime after a respectable effort being put in by the home side. But they did not have a lead to show for it.

3rd Quarter

Raptors start the half with the basketball and Jamario Moon would miss a 3 point shot. Andrea Bargnani would show Jamario how you make that shot the next time down the floor as he hit a 3 ball. Nuggets would get a score but Jose Calderon would hit another 3-ball. The Nuggets again answered with a two pointer. Jamario Moon would score with a 2 point jumper. Nuggets again would answer. But Andrea Bargnani hit another big 3 pointer and the Raptors powered by the long range shot had taken the lead. The Nuggets would get to the line and tie the score at 61. Carmelo Anthony would get the Nuggets back in front as he would score. Jose Calderon would make the 4th Raptor 3 pointer of the quarter and the Raptors lead 64-63. Chris Bosh would get fouled and head to the line. The Nuggets would already put the Raptors in the bonus and they had not been happy with the calls all night. But to their credit the remained focused and scored 4 straight to re take the lead. Chris Bosh would score in the paint but Billups would answer with a 3 pointer. Bosh would answer with another basket and the score was tied at 70. Nuggets would get a basket from Jones and Parker answered that. Jose Calderon would break the tie with his 3rd long range bomb of the Quarter and it was 75-72 with a time out on the floor.

A steal would lead to a jam for Nene. Jose Calderon had 5 turnovers on the night but I was o.k with it because he was taking chances. Raptors would come back with a basket to get the lead back to 3 points. But the Nuggets would get a score from Melo and it was 77-76 Raptors. J.R Smith would hit a jump shot and the Nuggets were back in front 78-77. Billups would follow that up with a 3 pointer and we were under 2 minute to play. K-Mart with an easy drive and score. Once again down the stretch of a quarter the Nuggets had a 6-0 run. Jay Triano would call a time out and got very upset with his team. Bosh would also talk with some passion in the time out. But the Nuggets coming out of the time out would score again. Finally Bosh would drive and get fouled. The Raptors never took advantage of being in the bonus as this was the first time they had been back to the line in the final minute after they had reached the bonus with over 7 minutes to play. Joey Graham would miss an easy basket the second east miss of the night for him. Nuggets had a 85-77 lead as once again the Raptors folded down the stretch of a quarter. Good teams close quarters and close halfs. The Raptors were showing once again why they were not to that good team level and a long way from it.

4th Quarter

A.P would open the 4th quater it was answered with an Anderson score. The Nugget Birdman had a double double of 10 and 10. Andrea Bargnani would get a score. The Raptors had clawed back to 4 points down with the score 87-83. But a 3 point made and a loose ball foul on Joey Graham and the lead would grow by 4 but Anderson missed the foul shot. Bargnani would score and get fouled he had 22 points in the game. The Raptors would get a turnover and find a leaking out Joey Graham would would not have a third bad miss. He would get the poster worthy jam with no one back to stop him. The Raptors were down 2 points with the score 90-88 and a time out for Denver.

Out of the time out Kleiza would make his way to the line and down a pair. Just under 3 hours left in 2008 and the Raptors still had thoughts of a win to close out the year. But Denver would rattle off 5 straight points and try to make that thought less likely with the score 95-88. Raptors would finally score and Chris Bosh was coming back in the game as he had sat out for the first four minutes plus of the quarter. Bosh would go right to work drawing a foul and getting to the line with his team down 7 points. He made both and the score was 97-92 for the Nuggets with just over 7 minutes to play. Raptors would get lucky as a wide open Kleiza would miss a 3 pointer. Carmelo Anthony would later get to the line and make a pair and the lead was back to 7 points with the Nuggets up 99-92. The Nuggets continued to be frustrated with the Refs and Chancey Billups would get a technical foul and there was a time out on the floor and the Raps would shoot one after the time out.

Jose Calderon remains perfecto as he made the tech. But Jamario Moon would miss a jumper and the Raptors still trailed by 6 points. But the Nuggets would turn it over and Bosh would get fouled and head to the line with a chance to trim the lead. Bosh would make a pair with 5:05 left to play and Raptors now down 4 points. But K-Mart had a blue light special on jumpers to push the lead back to 6 points. Jose Calderon would respond to that with a 3 pointer he was 4 for 4 from behind the arc on the night. Chris Bosh was a little hyped up as he looked for a 3-ball of his own to tie but that didn't fall. The Nuggets would take advantage and score and they lead 103-98. Another Raptor miss and Chauncey Billups has the nickname "Mr Big Shot" and he showed you why hitting a clutch 3 pointer and after a chance to tie they game the Raptors were suddenly back down 8 points before they knew what happened. Nuggets lead 106-98 with a time out on the floor with just 2:45 left to play. The Raptors in a key possession out of the time out would end up with an Andrea Bargnani missed jumper for two. Carmelo Anthony would score on the other end and it was a 10 point advantage for Denver and they looked to be on the way to celebrating a win for New Years Eve.

The Raptors again struggle down the stretch of a quarter and it all adds up and that is why they were not going to the winners circle again. Raptors were down 111-100 with just 1:07 left to play. Bargnani was at the line for a pair and he had a great night despite the loss. Bosh would get fouled and there was 55.7 seconds left to play. But the despite was to great it would seem. Bosh made both and it was 111-104. The Raptors decided not to foul and they would get a stop and Parker would get a 3 pointer. But Billups would head to the line with 13.3 seconds and calm as can be make 2 free throws the lead was 114-107 and there would be no joy in Toronto tonight based on the Raptors. Parker would badly miss on a 3 pointer and that was it. The Raptors drop their 3rd straight and were 12-20 for 2008 not exactly what Bryan Colangelo had been hoping for when he made his big trade in the off season. Six Raptors reached double figures in scoring lead by Andrea Bargnani with 26 but it was not enough. To check out the impressive stat lines for your fantasy squads check the boxscore below

Raptors/Nuggets Boxscore

This is the last blog for 2008 and I wish it had happier news for you. But I only get to tell you what happens. But hey regardless I thank you all for reading through out 2008 and I hope you will all remain for 2009. All the best to you all and all the people you care about in the upcoming year in 2009. Have a safe and happy New Years Eve. That is a RAP FOR 2008 see you in 2009!!!

So Long 2008 ...2009 Has To Be Better!!!

Well It has not been a kind 2008 to Raptor Fans when all is said and done. A loss to the Magic in the Playoffs that was 5 games but it almost felt like we got swept. A big trade and big expectations that have not exactly materialized. Sam Mitchell gets fired only to see the team sink deeper below .500. Raptor fans are questioning Bosh's loyalty and he is questioning their loyalty as well. At least the ones that booed him. Bryan Colangelo has went from genius/saviour to fans to now an average mortal G.M that has every choice he every made questioned. In short it has not been a fun year in Raptorland beyond the odd chuckle at a Bosh YouTube video.

So Here Is My Top 10 Least Favorite Things From 2008

10. Will Solomon/Roko Ukic Signings- I am a T.J Ford fan I have never made that a secret. But I was o.k with the choice the Raptors made to go with Jose. But I had thought it would mean the signing of an experienced back-up point guard to replace T.J. Instead we got a combo guard that played in Europe and had little NBA run. Along with that a rookie that as good as he may become was not ready to play a meaningful role as a back-up right at the start of his NBA Career

9. Joey Graham- I mean will it ever end. Time after time we are sucked into thinking maybe this will be the year for Joey Graham. Well another year and another flash of hope from Joey and the same old Bad Joey keeps coming back. When Joey Graham in 2009 is not re-signed by the Raptors that will make my favourite things of 2009.

8. Nathan Jawai's Heart Trouble- I know I was in a very small minority but I really thought and still do think Nathan Jawai can have a big impact on the Raptors. But a health issue with the big man's heart would sideline him for the entire 2008 part of the schedule. I am hopefully Nate get himself on the floor in 2009. I think everyone will be surprised at how good he can become.

7. Sam Mitchell Era Ends- I had always liked Sam and to see his career in Toronto come to a very fast and ugly end with that game in Denver was truly disappointing. I miss his humour and presence that I had grown use to on a daily basis. Despite wanting what is best for Jay Triano and the Raptors, I still will always enjoy Sam Mitchell and what he did for the organization. He just didn't seem like the old Sam anymore and it may have been the building pressure leading up to his firing. But being the classy person that Sam is we will never know for sure.

6. Hassan Adams Signing- Why?...Nothing else is required.

5. T.J Ford Getting Traded- Yes I support the trade and I understand the reasons why T.J was moved. But he was my favourite player on the Raptors and it was a sad day for me personally. So in honour of that he gets the #5 spot on the list for his new number with the Pacers.

4. Game 1 and 5 In Orlando- These were the most painful games to watch in a series that did not show much from the Toronto Raptors. Beyond a Game 3 last performance for the ages from Forderon it was a train wreck of a series. It would be the lead to all the changes that have not been successful to this point.

3. Andrea Bargnani- I like most are frustrated and wonder if it is time to accept that Andrea Bargnani is just not going to work in Toronto. He is talented but lacks confidence and it never seems to change. I am just wondering if he can ever turn out to have the type of career people want from him here in Toronto. I am thinking he can't.

2. TSN 2 Nonsense- I am still surprised that we are talking about this at this point. If someone had told me that this issue would not have been solved heading into 2009, I would have told them they were crazy but here we sit. I am not interested in who is to blame or even why at this point. I just think it is insulting to fans of the Raptors and basketball. Hopefully we are not still talking about this at the end of 2009. I know that seems nuts to say. But hey it seems nuts that we are still talking about it now.

1. Vince Carter Sticks It To Us Again- The loss to the Nets at the A.C.C may be looked back on as the turning point that sent this season off track. People wonder why Raptor fans still boo Vince and hate him still. It is these moments that won't let the anger and pain go away.

That is my list but I am sure people have many others and feel free to leave your list of best or worst moments in the comments.

Not Exactly The Million Man March

Well it was a small little protest at Rogers when all was said and done. Apparently fans may be angry about TSN 2 mess but not so angry that many would venture out into the cold streets of Toronto. But I still respect the effort that Andrew Ebanks was making. I interviewed him and made folks aware of what he was doing and I feel good about that. Hey it did not go without any attention. Andrew actually was featured in an article in the Globe and Mail. I was contacted by Bill Houston who writes for them and helped him get in touch with Andrew. The Dino Nation Blog got a small mention in the article which was nice. I think with all things Raptors apathy is settling in over the Raptors. That is not a good thing for the folks at MLSE and this TSN 2 matter as I have said is not going to help in reversing that apathy. Here is the article on Andrew and I admire his conviction to his cause.

Globe And Mail -Bill Houston Article

At Least You Won't Remember Tonight's Game?

I could do a preview and give you a bunch of stats for this game tonight at the ACC but basically it really doesn't matter. If the Raptors don't remember the beating they took in Denver the fact Jay Triano is the coach should serve as a reminder. If they can not get fired up for this game really we are in more trouble than we know. It will not be any easier to beat the Rockets or Magic. J.O left the last game after bumping knees with a Warrior and having the flu. So I am guessing he will be back tonight unless that knee bump was much more serious. Everything points to a Raptor loss if you ask me. But I have learned in watching this team over the years that when everyone thinks they will lose that is when they come up with a surprising effort. But hey if it doesn't happen it is New Year's Eve so if you are planing on going out and partying you likely won't remember anyway.

Have fun and be safe...I want all of my readers back in 2009.....So Happy New Year to all of you and the best of everything for you and the people you care about.